Amla to do ‘what the team needs’

Getty ImagesProteas batsman Hashim Amla says his strategy upfront will be guided by what the team needs in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against India. Photo: Tom Shaw

Johannesburg - Proteas batsman Hashim Amla says his strategy upfront will be guided by “what the team needs” in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against India in Dhaka on Friday.

Amla, who is the Proteas' leading run-scorer with 163 runs at a strike rate of 130, has played varying innings in each of his four stays at the crease, and says it comes down to adapting to the situation on the day. His list of high scores includes 41 off 40

balls against New Zealand, 43 off 22 balls against the Netherlands and 56 off 37 balls against England.

“It depends on what the team needs upfront at the time,” Amla said after the Proteas' training session on Wednesday. “The innings has to be set up and Quinny (de Kock) and I try to play positively to get the team off to a good start. Some days it works out and some days it doesn't. I think in this format all different styles can make it.

“It's about assessing the situation of the game,” he added. “Upfront you are not always going to be scoring as quickly as you would like to. You have to see how your partner is doing and how the team can fit your innings as best as possible.”

Amla played down the continued hype around India's spinners. “We are going to try and play our best cricket. It's difficult to say who 1/8which bowler 3/8 will be the most dangerous. On any given day, a seamer can take a five-for and so can a spinner. We will prepare for both as best as we can.”

The Proteas are benefiting from an extended break following their last group match, and have recharged and regrouped after a strenuous week in Chittagong.

“The preparation has been good,” Amla said. “We have had some time off before the semi-final, so preparation has been good. We have had some time to rest after our time in Chittagong was quite intense with back-to-back matches.”

Amla said the squad was “hardened up” by their pressure wins in the group stages and are in a good space ahead of their eighth head-to-head match against India on Friday.

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